A Green Party councillor in Sefton has resigned from the party after they passed a motion describing Zionism as a form of racism at their Party Conference.
Kieran Dams, a councillor for Waterloo, will now represent local residents as an independent councillor.
He said: “Today I have made the incredibly difficult decision to resign from the Green Party. As things stand, I will now sit as an Independent councillor for Waterloo.
“I’m 23. I grew up here, walked these streets as a little boy and couldn’t be prouder to now represent the community I call home. I didn’t get into politics for a career or a party badge. I got into it to help people and make my community better.
“At Green Party Conference, a motion was passed declaring Zionism a form of racism and committing the party to oppose it.
“I had serious concerns about what this could mean for Jewish members. Being Jewish does not make someone a Zionist. Jewish people hold many different views on Israel and Zionism.
An amendment was put forward saying members should not be pressured or disciplined simply because they attend or are connected to Jewish institutions such as synagogues or community centres. It also sought to ensure Jewish members weren’t punished for views that wouldn’t see non-Jewish members punished.
“I voted for it. It was rejected. I then voted against the final motion.
“I saw Jewish members in tears afterwards. I won’t forget that.
“I came back to Waterloo knowing I couldn’t look residents in the face and defend something I believe is wrong.
“I will always stand up for Palestinian freedom and speak out against the actions of the Israeli Government. But I can do that while standing with our Jewish community against antisemitism. We must be able to do both.
“I fear the Green Party is heading to a very dark place. I cannot follow it there.
“If that means my political career ends at 23, so be it.
“I’m not leaving Waterloo. I’ll still be here, taking up your casework, fighting your corner and doing everything I can for the community I love.”
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